• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.200-209
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• 2013

Over the past few years, a large number of perforator flaps have been revised by several microsurgeons in the USA, France, Canada and Japan. A perforator flap is a flap of skin or subcutaneous tissue that is based on the dissection of a perforating vessel, which is a perforator. In short, a perforator is a vessel that has its origin in one of the axial vessels of the human body. By reducing any muscle harvesting and trauma to a minimum, perforator flaps aim to minimize donor site morbidity, and by avoiding the transfer of dennervated muscle, the long-term bulk of the free tissue transfer becomes more predictable. There are a finite number of potential perforator flaps in the body, which are based on the named source arteries. The most commonly used perforator flaps are deep inferior epigastric perforator, superior gluteal artery perforator, thoraco dorsal artery perforator, medial sural artery perforator, and anterolateral thigh perforator flap. For a better understanding of perforators as a routine reconstructive procedure in oral and maxillofacial surgery, the definition with nomenclature, classifications with special characteristics, and review points for their individual applications must be learned and memorized by the young doctors in the course regarding the special curriculum periods for the Korean national board of oral and maxillofacial surgery. Perforator flaps have been known to have many advantages, so this review article summarized their applications to the maxillofacial reconstruction in the Korean language.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.2
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• pp.140-146
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• 2009

Purpose: Autologous breast reconstruction with abdominal tissue is one of the best options after mastectomy. In a free transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous(TRAM) or deep inferior epigastric artery perforator(DIEP) flap, a preoperative evaluation of the precise location of perforating vessels and vascular run - off systems is required. The objective of this report is to demonstrate the usefulness of multidetector computed tomography(MDCT) in the preoperative planning of patients undergoing breast reconstruction with abdominal flap. Methods: From June 2006 to January 2008, 28 patients underwent MDCT evaluation before breast reconstruction. All subjects were females with an age range of 30 to 55 years. The CT scan was performed using a 64 - slice MDCT scanner(Brilliance 64; Philips Medical Systems, Best, Netherlands). Results: One perforator or two major perforators were marked on image in good relation with a hand - held Doppler examination and intraoperative findings. All vascular run - off systems were cleared before operation. Conclusion: Preoperative evaluation of perforator arteries with MDCT angiography is beneficial in patients undergoing breast reconstruction. This technique provides a noninvasive approach of the vascular anatomy of the entire anterior abdominal wall.

• Archives of Plastic Surgery
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• v.36 no.6
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• pp.720-726
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• 2009

Purpose: Fasciocutaneous flap with random pattern flap has limitation in mobility and length - width ratio. This characteristic is more pronounced in lower extremity which has relatively poor vascularity. Perforator based flap in lower extremity reconstruction has various advantages as a axial flap, allowing abundant blood supply and widening of mobility range. So if it is not a case of wide defect, free flap can be replaced by perforator based flap. Methods: From April 2007 to March 2009, 18 cases of perforator flap were performed. 8 had defect in upper 1/3 of calf, 6 in middle 1/3, and 4 in lower 1/3. In 10 cases island flap were used, 3 case had transposition flap, 2 cases used advancement flap, 2 case had propeller flap and 1 case had rotation flap. Results: 17 cases survived without flap necrosis. Partial flap necrosis occurred in 1 case, so secondary split thickness skin graft was done. Chronic wound with pseudomonas infection occurred in 1 case, but it was completely cured with conservative treatment. Conclusion: Perforator based flap is useful in lower extremity reconstruction because of relative freedom in changing the size and thickness of the flap depending on the recipient site, good mobility, and abundant vascularity. And donor site morbidity can be minimized. Lower extremity reconstruction using perforator based flap is a good method because it can minimize the complication and obtain effective result.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.16-22
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• 2009

The purpose of this study was to present the clinical result of anterolateral thigh free flap for pretibial soft tissue lesion after chronic tibia osteomyelitis. From December 2006 to September 2008, Five patients were included in our study. 4 of 5 were superficial or localized types of chronic tibia osteomyelitis, based on the classification of Cierny and Mader. Average age at the surgery was 45 years, three were males and two were females. All had a history of chronic tibia osteomyelitis and subsequent pretbial soft tissue lesions coming from previous operations or pus drainage. Pretibial soft tissue defects included small ulcers, fibrotic, bruisable soft tissue and small bony exposures, but not large-sized bony exposures nor active pus discharge. After complete debridement of large sized pretibial soft tissue lesions and decortication of anterior tibial cortical dead bone, anterolateral thigh free flap was applied to cover remained large pretibial soft tissue defect and to prevent the recurrence of infection. All flaps survived and provided satisfactory coverage of soft tissue defect on pretibial region for 16 months' mean follow up period. No patients has had recurrence of osteomyelitis. Anterolateral thigh free flap could be recommend for large sized pretibial soft tissue defect of supreficial or localized types of chronic tibia osteomyelitis after through debridement.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.31-34
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• 2009

Purpose: Merkel cell carcinoma, also called neuroendocrine carcinoma, is a very rare type of skin cancer that develops as Merkel cells grow out of control. Merkel cell carcinoma is reported below 1% of whole skin neoplasms in the United States and is known that the 2-year survival rate is about 50~70%. The principles of treatment are wide excision of primary lesion with radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy that decrease the local recurrent rate. There has been no report of reconstruction with free flap after resection of Merkel cell carcinoma in Korea. Methods: We reconstructed the skin and soft tissue defect after wide excision of Merkel cell carcinoma with anterolateral thigh perforator free flap in two cases. No distant metastasis was found at the preoperative imaging work-up. In one case, preoperative chemotherapy was performed and the size of lesion was decreased. Results: There were no recurrence and significant complications. Functionally and aesthetically satisfactory results were obtained with reconstruction. Conclusion: Wide excision and reconstruction with anterolateral thigh perforator free flap for Merkel cell carcinoma patient is the first report in Korea. We regard this method as the treatment of choice in Merkel cell carcinoma.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.18 no.1
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• pp.1-8
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• 2009

Purpose: The perforator flaps have established their role in the reconstruction of various soft tissue defects. For the last five years, we have extensively used anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap for the reconstruction of the complex tissue defects of the hand and upper extremity and report the clinical results and our experiences with the versatile applications of this flap. Materials and Methods: From March 2003 through May 2008, 119 free ALT perforator flaps were transferred for reconstruction of the complex tissue defects of the elbow, forearm, wrist and hand after crushing or degloving injuries as well as severe scar contractures. There were 95 females and 24 males. The mean age of the patients was 37 years and mean size of the flap was 170 $cm^2$. In 20 cases, the flap was vascularized by septocutaneous and in 99 cases by musculocutaneous perforators. Intra-muscular dissection length averaged 3.4 cm. The total length of pedicle averaged 8.4 cm and the average arterial diameter was 0.84 mm. End-to-end arterial anastomosis was performed in 103 cases and end-to-side in 16 cases. Results: Flap survival rate was 98.3%(117/119) and there were 6 cases of partial necrosis. Donor site was closed primarily in 41 cases and skin grafts were applied in 78 cases. Conclusion: The reliability and versatility of ALT flap makes it one of the foremost choices for the reconstruction of complex tissue defects of the upper extremity.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.94-100
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• 2008

In the past decade, there has been increasing breast reconstructions after mastectomy, and the abdomen has been the gold standard for donor site. TRAM (transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous), MSTRAM (muscle sparing transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous), DIEP (deep inferior epigastric artery perforator), SIEA (superficial inferior epigastric artery) flap has been widely used nowadays. Among them, DIEP free flap spares the whole rectus abdominis muscle and anterior rectus sheath resulting in decreased donor site morbidity. Between March of 2006 and February of 2008, six patients had undergone immediate breast reconstructions using DIEP free flap. The mean age of patients was 48.5 years. All patients had unilateral breast reconstructions. We dissected two perforators which were included in the unilateral pedicle. Thoracodorsal artery and its venae comitantes were chosen as recipient vessels. For venous anastomosis, we used the GEM Microvascular Anastomotic Coupler System (Synovis Micro Companies Alliance, Inc., Birmingham, Ala.) in four cases. All flaps were survived completely except one who showed fatty abdomen in old age. She showed repetitive vascular spasm intraoperatively. None of the patients had abdominal hernia, bulge or weakness. We believe that DIEP free flap provides a reliable method for autologous breast reconstruction if the patients are selected appropriately and performed by a skillful surgeon.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.13 no.1
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• pp.41-45
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• 2012

Purpose: Fibular osteocutaneous free flap is the procedure of choice for mandibular reconstruction. However, the anatomic consistency and the reliability of the skin paddle have been considered to be questionable and the utilization of the fibular osteocutaneous free flap can be challenging for the inexperienced surgeon. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) angiography can support revolutionary help with the operator design of the fibular osteocutaneous flap. The purpose of this article is to share the valuable experience of support with preoperative CT angiography. Methods: Three consecutive patients, who needed mandibular reconstruction, were treated with fibular osteocutaneous free flap. Each of the patients had undergone lower extremity CT angiography before the surgery. The CT angiographies were scrupulously investigated to calculate the locations and the tracts of the peroneal artery perforators. We compared the findings of the CT angiography with those of the real operation. Results: The information about the perforators was sufficiently matched with the findings of the operation. With the use of preoperative CT angiography, we were able to achieve confident performance during operation, shortening of operation time, and fine outcomes with a no flap failure. Conclusion: The CT angiography of lower extremity can provide reliable information of the perforators of the fibular osteocutaneous free flap.

• Archives of Reconstructive Microsurgery
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.111-117
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• 2012

Purpose: To report the clinical results of the perforated-based propeller flap for lower extremity soft tissue reconstruction. Materials and Methods: Between January 2010 and June 2012, a total of 16 defects in the lower extremities were covered with perforator-based propeller flaps. Retrospective data for location and size of the defect, flap dimension, pedicle artery, pedicle rotation, complications were obtained. Results: Peroneal artery-based perforator flap were used in eleven cases, posterior tibial artery-based perforator flap in two cases, anterior tibial artery-based perforator flap in one case and medial plantar artery-based perforator flap in two cases. The average size of the flaps was $63cm^2$. The marginal skin necrosis of the flaps as a complication was developed in two cases, one of which was covered with split-thickness skin graft. There were no functional deficits from the donor site. Conclusion: For the reconstruction of lower extremities, the perforator-based propeller flap could be a reasonable alternative as it is a simple, safe and versatile technique.

• Journal of the Korean Burn Society
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.58-65
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• 2019

Wound caused by high-tension electrical burns is difficult to manage because the wound is deep and complex. The wound is progressively necrotic due to microvascular injury resulting in deep tissue exposure. So, coverage of the wound at the entry point and the exit point is cumbersome, often requiring flap coverage. We experienced a case of one patient for peroneal artery perforator free flap coverage on the palm of the right hand of the entry point of electrical burn. The left foot wound of electrical exit point was covered by full thickness skin graft. Also a small wound was on the left side of the lower back was the exit point of electrical burn. The lower back wound was healed and recurred repeatedly after burn. On postburn day 6 month, through the radiologic exam, metal shadow was identified in the left gluteus muscle forming chronic sinus. We explored the wound of sinus and a foreign body was identified in the sac as multi braid wires thin as hair. According to the patient's past history, we suspected that the back wound was caused by electrical burn injury through the wires.